Latvia aims to approve new government and committees next week

Latvia’s new government and parliamentary committees could be approved next week, with Saeima Speaker Edvards Smiltēns saying the parliament must begin full-scale work, LSM reported.

More than a week after the first session of the 15th Saeima, the parliament’s standing committees have yet to be formed. Most work on draft laws takes place in committees, leaving the new parliament unable to begin its legislative work fully.

Government formateur Andris Kulbergs of the United List aims to clarify the coalition’s composition by Saturday. Ministerial candidates could be announced this week or, at the latest, on Monday, while informal talks continue.

Smiltēns said intensive work was under way to approve the government and committees on Tuesday, November 17, although that timing was not essential. He said it would be symbolic for both the government and the Saeima to begin working fully on Latvia’s national day, November 18. However, he stressed that quality mattered more than speed and that the goal was to form a government capable of serving a full four-year term. If the process is not completed by Tuesday, approval could come in the second half of next week, after the holiday.

The United List has not announced its planned coalition partners. A coalition with the National Alliance appears the most likely option so far and would have 51 votes. Latvia First leader Ainārs Šlesers has also pledged his party’s support; it holds 17 seats. New Unity, with seven seats, would be in opposition.

Smiltēns is also considering changes to how the parliament works, including the number and operation of its committees. Committee chair positions could also be given to opposition parties. He is planning a different approach to foreign visits.